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RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Pre-Tax Restructuring and Integration Charges) (Details) (Invigorate Program [Member], USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Mar. 31, 2014
Invigorate Program [Member]
   
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]    
Employee Separation Costs $ 15dgx_EmployeeSeparationCosts
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= dgx_InvigorateProgramMember
$ 8dgx_EmployeeSeparationCosts
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= dgx_InvigorateProgramMember
Facility-related costs 0us-gaap_OtherRestructuringCosts
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= dgx_InvigorateProgramMember
1us-gaap_OtherRestructuringCosts
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= dgx_InvigorateProgramMember
Total restructuring charges $ 15us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= dgx_InvigorateProgramMember
$ 9us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= dgx_InvigorateProgramMember